Easiest ways to power car camping adventures & travel needs! (You need less than you think)⚡️
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 ส.ค. 2024
- In this video we're discussing the various (easiest) methods to help power your vanlife or car camping trips.
Ill take you through all the ways I've utilized from my first trip till now, and how I currently have my power setup to support my individual electric needs.
Since everyone's needs are uniqie to them and their specific situation, this video will hopefully help you narrow down how best to get started, and how to assess exactly what power upgrades make the most sense for you!
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Check out my playlist on all things power here:
• All Things POWER
Just getting started? Check these videos out!:
• Just Starting Out? Wat...
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My setup details
**As an Amazon Associate, I do earn a small commission for any qualifying purchases made using the links below, but this is at no additional cost to you, and I only recommend the items I personally use and love. Using these links is a great way to support my channel and ensure that I can continue to deliver quality future content, so thank you in advance for your support - I truly appreciate it!
Product Links for Indoor & Outdoor Setup/Items Used:
Anker portable battery bank:
amzn.to/3VMNwxu
Jackery 240 Power Station:
amzn.to/3wIiHgX
Jackery 1000 Power Station:
amzn.to/3lzmMyP
Bluetti EB70S Power Station
(800W inverter with 716Wh):
amzn.to/3nhu0ft
Rophie 200W portable solar panel
amzn.to/4f7vWxp
salt lamp string lights
amzn.to/44Oi8Tn
Luci Light inflatable solar lantern:
amzn.to/3YXvJ6U
Koonie 8" blades rechargeable USB fan with clamp:
amzn.to/3lHxBCl
cup holder inverter:
amzn.to/41bpluz
Hot Logic Mini:
amzn.to/3YD1YbV
Dash Mini Maker Electric Griddle:
amzn.to/413y6qF
low wattage (300W) BalBali electric kettle:
amzn.to/3YD96EV
USB LED light bulb:
amzn.to/3yVudZc
Luci solar string lights:
amzn.to/46mPF6X
Mosaic solar lantern:
amzn.to/3LDJpjb
chargeable hang led color change light
amzn.to/41a5IUm
In this video we're discussing the various (easiest) methods to help power your vanlife or car camping trips.
Ill take you through all the ways I've utilized from my first trip till now, and how I currently have my power setup to support my individual electric needs.
Since everyone's needs are uniqie to them and their specific situation, this video will hopefully help you narrow down how best to get started, and how to assess exactly what power upgrades make the most sense for you!
====
Check out my playlist on all things power here:
th-cam.com/play/PLoZ0vzM0yMpkypyEGvRnBnxx0QNaR1oBY.html&si=ZZ3cOWYrIkmcQr55
Just getting started? Check these videos out!:
th-cam.com/play/PLoZ0vzM0yMpkRT775SIeTHWOskKUQn4lL.html&si=4rcRlpOPoFdbjH2m
====
My setup details
**As an Amazon Associate, I do earn a small commission for any qualifying purchases made using the links below, but this is at no additional cost to you, and I only recommend the items I personally use and love. Using these links is a great way to support my channel and ensure that I can continue to deliver quality future content, so thank you in advance for your support - I truly appreciate it!
Product Links for Indoor & Outdoor Setup/Items Used:
Anker portable battery bank:
amzn.to/3VMNwxu
Jackery 240 Power Station:
amzn.to/3wIiHgX
Jackery 1000 Power Station:
amzn.to/3lzmMyP
Bluetti EB70S Power Station
(800W inverter with 716Wh):
amzn.to/3nhu0ft
salt lamp string lights
amzn.to/44Oi8Tn
Luci Light inflatable solar lantern:
amzn.to/3YXvJ6U
Koonie 8" blades rechargeable USB fan with clamp:
amzn.to/3lHxBCl
cup holder inverter:
amzn.to/41bpluz
Hot Logic Mini:
amzn.to/3YD1YbV
Dash Mini Maker Electric Griddle:
amzn.to/413y6qF
low wattage (300W) BalBali electric kettle:
amzn.to/3YD96EV
USB LED light bulb:
amzn.to/3yVudZc
Luci solar string lights:
amzn.to/46mPF6X
Mosaic solar lantern:
amzn.to/3LDJpjb
chargeable hang led color change light
amzn.to/41a5IUm
Agree 💯. I just watched a video minivan tour yesterday, and the beginner van traveler (not dweller) said she brought ‘way too much with her. So starting slow is a plus. And definitely saves $$. Granted, the campsites with electric will cost more at first, but will give you ideas so you can grow into your own camping style. Another great video, Heather!
Yes! I started with just a few battery bank brick things that recharged while driving & used those to recharge (phone, tablets, & fans at night. Then I saved up my money for a power station to run my CPAP machine overnight for several nights on one charge (I still use that old thing for CPAP, but nothing else).
Thank you!! I've definitely alwaus packed for "what if" so I've had to really try & retrain myself that I don't need to lug everything with me if I don't need it right now! 💚
Good video Heather, very helpful. Thank you😊
Thank you! Happy you found it helpful!!
The inside of your small mobile home is very beautiful 😊❤
Thanks so much!
My Jackery 500 watt has saved the day more than once in my van! Useful video thanks.
Thank you! That's a great size unit - still super portable but enough to power more than just phones/laptops, etc...!
This was great to watch. I have 2 power banks and just bought a power station for $134. I just need them for fans in the summer. And my laptop so I can pay my bills weekly. Thanks for sharing.
Sounds like a good system! Thanks for watching!!
I love those little portable power packs. I am a total maximalist, and I suggest whatever larger power bank you think you need, go bigger 😀
I get it believe me, but my bigger station is so darn heavy to move around right now, it's gotta be really worth it for me currently!
Very good and helpful video Heather, Thank you ♥️🙋♀️
Thank youuu!!
Thank you so much for making this video. ❤❤
Thanks for watching!
I started with the Jackery 300. I picked it because I can charge it via USB C while driving and I was testing things out.
It worked out pretty well for my phone, fans, lights, and Nintendo Switch.
Then I got the Vtomam 1500Wh Power Station (same one you have) and a car fridge. It ran the fridge for 3 days, only charging for 1 hour a day. Unfortunately it has stopped working and I have to send Vtomam a video of it, not working, I guess? If they end up not replacing it, I did buy the insurance, so I'll probably get a 2000wh station, which should be plenty for a 4-5 day trip. I got a cheap 100W solar panel on sale.
Sadly, I was going to take a trip and that's when I found out the Vtomam had stopped working.
Oh no, that's worrying to hear! I hope they replace it for you, I'll definitely have to keep updating as I use mine more. That would be awful to have it quit mid trip if I didn't have a backup! Thanks for the heads up, fingers crossed for you!
Terrific video!! So useful!!
Thanks so much, I'm glad you found it helpful!!
Thanks, Heather! I am embarking on my very first cross country journey and this vlog helped me pack my gear appropriately.
Oh I'm so glad you found it helpful!
Thank you for sharing !🙏🇺🇸
Thanks for watching!!
Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for watching!
less is definitely more. i moved out of an apartment and into a van full time and am shocked at how little i need and how little i miss. i have a storage unit for items that i felt i "couldn't live without" and i'm quickly realizing i need to clear it out and save the $$ spent on the monthly locker rental.
i will say though, i find i need more power than i thought. i bought a Bluetti EB3A and it's great for charging my phone/laptop, it only gives me about 6 hrs of a plugged in fan which has been very crucial in these heat waves.
It really does seem like once you start paring down you begin to realize how little you actually do need or use!! I'm glad you got the Bluetti to help with the extra summer power strain!! Thank you for watching!
Hi 😀 im from england but subbed as i like your channel , yea there so many people that say you must have a big electric set up and i find it sooooo confusing 😂 i jus want something simple and reliable
Thank you for watching! It can definitely get overwhelming woth all the setups and options!!
@@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures got that right 😲🤣
Good video to adapt to one's needs, budget. Bluetti's AC180 is my starter to power a 12v fridge, so I can lift it (oof!) and skip buying in between stuff (will have weekend trips but later self sustaining longer ones). Jasonoid did recent comparison test of ~1000w units. Curious how one can determine how much is safe to plug directly into 12v minivan port? Have 2014 Dodge G Caravan. 15amp to 30amp converter is good idea to have; there are compact versions without the cord. Best...
Thank you! Sounds like you put a lot of thought into your system so you wouldn't have to make any major changes later - that's alwaus a smart strategy too! I'm not sure how much it varies by vehicle, but I think when I looked up mine it said not to exceed 150W in any of the 12V ports, so I've been overly cautious about overloading it now lol!
Please come to Michigan!
I definitely have Michigan on my list of places to visit! (Especially the UP!)
Thank you, Heather!
Thanks Julie!
I’ve been watching your videos for a while and I appreciate how informative your videos are. I have the same van as you I was hoping you would tell me how the plug in the back works? In this video your battery bank is plugged into it. Does it work when the van is turned off?
The 12V plug in the back only works when the engine is on, so I keep the charger for my power station plugged in there so that any time the car is running, it's charging my power station, but then I don't have to worry about forgetting to unplug it to save the battery!
@@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures that’s great! Thank you for explaining that.
I think it happens after a person has car camped a couple timed that they probably bought too much and they don't need everything. At least that happened in my case. Lol.
Oh yes, I've had many trips of bringing wayyyyy more than I needed. I had most of it pretty organized, so I didn't realize how much excess I was really lugging around with me! (I still could go a bit further lol!)
Hi Heather! Your content is so helpful!! Question… I’m also in FL ❤ and wonder how your power stations (BLUETTI is what I have) fare in the heat of a car? I’ve been hesitant to take mine for day trips just because of the summer heat. Thanks!
Thank you so much! I haven't taken any real precautions except trying to keep it in the bottom of the van (out of direct sun) and I'll usually place a towel/cover over it to keep it a little cooler. But I've not had an issue at all so far!
@@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
That’s reassuring. I didn’t even think about covering it, that’s a good idea! 😉
If a person can buy one thing to boil water for must have coffee in a minivan, would you recommend a kettle for butane stove, equiv. of Jetboil, electric kettle or ? And is there a grinder solution you have for beans? Thx!
I think if you have the power, I personally prefer the electric kettle, but I eventually do want to invest in a jetboil b/c I think it's a great tool & so many people swear by them!
Hi Heather! I've missed your face! Hope you're doing well
Hi Jim, thank you!!
What kind of refrigerator do you have?
I'm currently using the BougeRV 23qt color fridge (they have it in several different color options)
amzn.to/3LNZvXc
I did a review of the fridge on my channel if you're interested in checking it out!
first
What kind of fans do you have?
I have the Koonie USB rechargeable fan with 8" blades. Highly recommend!
amzn.to/4fulaRJ